Lesson: Exploring the Moon
Grade Level: One
Subject Area: Earth Science; Physical Science
Core Area: Exploring the Sun and Moon; Exploring Light and Shadows
Lesson Objective: To answer the essential questions: How does the Moon appear to move and to
change shape? How does the Moon shine? Students will learn about the cycle of phases by
observing and recording the Moon’s appearance and location in the sky over the course of a month.
They will explore the process that allows us to see the Moon, which is naturally dark and shines only
with the reflected light of the Sun. Students will also learn about how our understanding of the
Moon has increased due to the use of telescopes, unmanned spacecraft with cameras, and the
Apollo astronauts visits to the Moon between 1969 and 1972.
2005 Standards Correlation:
Grade 1 Sun and Moon
Standard 1-3:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the features of the sky and
the patterns of the Sun and the Moon. (Earth Science)
Indicators:
1-3.1 Compare the features of the day and night sky.
1-3.2 Recall that the Sun is a source of heat and light for Earth.
1-3.3 Recognize that the Sun and the Moon appear to rise and set.
2014 Standards Correlation:
Grade One Earth Science: Exploring the Sun and Moon
Standard 1.E.3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the patterns of the Sun and the
Moon and the Sun’s effect on Earth.
1.E.3A. Conceptual Understanding: Objects in the sky move in predictable patterns. Some
objects are better seen in the day sky and some are better seen in the night sky. The Sun is a star that
provides heat and light energy for Earth.
Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can:
1.E.3A.2 Use data from personal observations to describe, predict, and develop models to exemplify
how the appearance of the moon changes over time in a predictable pattern.
1.E.3A.3 Obtain and communicate information to describe how technology has enabled the study
of the Sun, the Moon, planets, and stars.
Grade 1 Physical Science: Exploring Light and Shadows
Standard 1.P.2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of light and how
shadows are formed.
1.P.2A. Conceptual Understanding: Objects can only be seen when light shines on them. Some
materials allow light to pass through them; others allow only some light to pass through; and some
do not allow any light to pass through and will create a shadow of the object. Technology such as
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mirrors can change the direction of a beam of light.
Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can:
1.P.2A.1 Obtain and communicate information to describe how light is required to make objects
visible.
1.P.2A.2 Analyze and interpret data from observations to compare how light behaves when it shines
on different materials.
1.P.2A.4 Develop and use models to describe what happens when light shines on mirrors based on
observations and data collected.
Materials:
Objects In The Sky probe
Short story “Moon Tricks”
Styrofoam balls on pencils
Bare bulb to represent Sun
Earth globes
Flashlights
Moon rise and set data
Graph paper
Paper for creating a Moon journal or Moon drawings
Mirrors
Images of the Moon from telescopes, Apollo missions and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
Activities: 7Es, Science and Engineering Practices, and Cross Cutting Concepts
7E
Elicit
Engage
Explore
Procedures
Use Objects In The Sky probe to assess
understanding of how light and distance influence
what we see in the sky.
Read short story – “Moon Tricks”
1. Ask, “What do we need to know to write an
ending to this story?” Record ideas on chart
paper labeled: Our Best Thinking Until Now.
2. Change ideas or statements into questions.
How can we gather evidence to support or
disprove the questions? (lead to conclusion
that they should keep a Moon journal for a
month)
3. What shall we record? Where will you observe?
Include: time of observation, position of Moon
in the sky, how high in the sky it is, and
Moon’s shape. Agree on a time (appropriate
for time of year and their bedtime) and a
method of recording. Discuss drawing
landmarks on data sheet.
SEPs
Ask questions and
define problems
CrossCut
Patterns
Obtain, evaluate,
and communicate
information
Ask questions and
define problems
Stability &
change
Plan and conduct
investigations
Obtain, evaluate,
and communicate
information
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Explain
Elaborate
Evaluate
Extend
Does the Moon make its own light?
How do we see it?
Discuss reflection and explore using mirrors and
laser lights or flashlights.
Do in a dark room:
After students have completed their Moon
journals, use styrofoam balls to demonstrate
phases of the Moon.
1. The Moon moves in predictable patterns. It
goes through a cycle of phases about once per
month.
2. The Moon is sometimes visible during the day,
sometimes visible at night, and sometimes can’t
be seen.
3. The Moon’s surface is naturally dark and shines
only because it reflects the light of the Sun.
4. Mirrors also reflect light.
5. Technology such as binoculars and telescopes
can help us learn more about the Moon’s
surface.
6. These devices use mirrors and lenses.
What is the surface of the Moon like? How do we
know? Look at the Moon with binoculars and
telescopes, if available. Show images from Apollo
missions and from the Lunar Reconnaissance
Orbiter.
Write an ending to the story in which you correctly
explain why Frankie’s view of the Moon changes.
Construct
explanations and
design solutions
Cause and
Effect
Develop and use
models
Systems
and Models
Obtain, evaluate,
and communicate
information
Analyze and
interpret data
Construct
explanations and
design solutions
Graph sunrise and sunset times during a month,
Analyze and
then graph Moon rise and set times in different
interpret data
colors on the same graph. Use the graph to make
Use mathematical
conclusions about how much sunrise and set varies and computational
per day vs. how much moonrise and set varies per thinking
day. Look for trends and patterns. Interpret when Engage in scientific
different phases occur and why.
argument from
evidence
Copyright © 2014 by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina
Patterns
Structure &
function
Energy and
Matter
Patterns
Stability &
change
Patterns
Systems
and Models
Cause and
Effect
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